While layoffs continue and unemployment rises as most U.S. production is forced to close, and while innocent citizens are caged in their homes under government order, unable to legally even attend a concert, we can finally find out what is in the Wuhan Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) economic stimulus bill that needed the help of 80-year-old Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-coyote roaming-homeless living CA), the first rich female Speaker of the House, to pass. 

Much more must be done.  The President must use the full powers of this law to address the dire, widespread shortage of materials required to fight this pandemic, including diagnostic test supplies, masks and other personal protective equipment.

So, does this money, "which included $25 million for the Kennedy Center," a luxurious, government-subsidized performing arts center in Washington D.C., whose president earns $1.2 million annually  (yes, you read that correctly), fall under "personal protective equipment" or "diagnostic test supplies"?  Enquiring minds do want to know.

Photo credit: Mack Male

The National Symphony Orchestra was told by the Kennedy Center president that they will not be paid after next week, according to the union that represents them. (snip)

"They're shocked, they're stunned. They don't know how to prepare to know that their last pay check is coming next Friday," said Ed Malaga the president of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Federation of Musicians. (snip)

Malaga said the stimulus money is supposed to be used for operating expenses including pay. The decision to furlough the musicians violates their collective bargaining agreement. He said the union has filed a grievance challenging the furloughs. (snip)

She also said $25 million would provide cash flow for essential personnel to ensure the center can reopen and bring staffers and musicians back to work.

Now, I enjoy concerts as much as most people, and I can certainly sympathize with the musicians who are unexpectedly joining millions of other Americans who will suddenly lose their income and their health insurance, but does this gilded palace, which usually caters to the tastes of wealthy liberals, really deserve a government handout any time, let alone this time of critical crisis?

But as Speaker Pelosi said, it is absolutely essential "to fight this pandemic."  And so is other wasteful spending, which satisfies the wealthy liberal interest groups that so generously fund her campaign and the Democrat party.  She decreed it so essential that she was willing to delay the funds badly needed by the suddenly unemployed and the suffering small business–owners, figuratively turning them into sacrificial helpless lambs to satisfy and appease her rich supporters.